The driver of a tan Chevrolet van was traveling eastbound on Central street when he dropped his cell phone and went to pick it up. As he was picking up his cell phone, he veered into the westbound lanes of traffic. The driver of a white Chevrolet pickup truck traveling westbound, saw the van veer into his lane and turned left into the eastbound lane to avoid the crash. The driver of the van realized his mistake and corrected his vehicle back into the eastbound lane at the same time as the truck had entered the eastbound lane and both vehicles collided. A passenger in the truck died at the scene.

The driver of the van did not show signs of intoxication and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital for treatment of his injuries. The driver of the truck (Martinez) was determined to be intoxicated and was transported to Texas Children's Hospital where he was treated and released.

The investigation is continuing.

JKS/JFC 12-23-14
Inc. #162003214-M

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.